Master’s Letter | December 2010
Well, to quote Porky Pig, “Tha Tha Tha That’s all Folks!” My year in the East has come to an end. Being installed as Master was once considered something of a “4th” degree. Having passed through it, I now know why. There have been real pleasures, challenges, and, yes, occasional aggravations. I have learned and experienced a lot. “Thank you,” brothers, by honoring me with your trust and support. We have accomplished many great things and grown as a lodge – numerically and fraternally – this year. I have no doubt that your new officers, lead by WM-elect Brian Cors, will continue this work. We are indeed a blessed lodge.
November saw our last meeting at Hathaway’s Hideaway. During it, we passed two more brothers to the Fellowcraft degree. I must say that Hathaway’s served us well over the past two years and I will cherish many memories of our work there. From now on, however, we will be meeting at the Grange. Brothers Bob Hospadaruk and WM-elect Brian Cors also pulled off another successful fundraiser for Food Gatherers in November at the Ann Arbor Brewing Co. in downtown Ann Arbor. Quite a crowd gathered and besides a barrel of food, they helped AAF 262 raise approximately $2,200 with another $1,500 on the way from the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation - all to help feed our hungry neighbors. Congratulations Bob and Brian!
November was also a particularly sorrowful month for AAF 262. W.Bro. Seymour Greenstone, a more then 60 year member and our Secretary, passed. Seymour’s funeral, including the Masonic service, was beautiful. He was indeed a pillar of our lodge and will be sorely missed.
December 1 was our annual meeting. We reviewed and discussed our lodge finances. There is a intender/ mentoring leadership session for Dec. 8 at Hathaway’s Hideway. If you are or would like to be an intender, please do try and attend. Installation of 2011 officers will take place at the Zal Gaz Grotto Club on West Stadium on Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. This event is open to the public. There will be heavy appetizers following. The following morning, we meet again at the Grotto for breakfast prior to our yearly rounds of poinsettia delivery to the lodge widows. Lastly, the December Master’s Table, which will also 
be honoring the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, will take place on Dec. 29 - details to follow.
Thus my sun sets in the West. With the year I’ve enjoyed, it feels kind of hard to set down my gavel. But I’m ready to retire to the sidelines too. I plan to continue my ritual study and lend a hand when and where asked. Becoming a past master, for me, doesn’t mean I won’t be a familiar face at lodge.
Lastly, I want to wish you all a very Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Robert Blackburn, WM
UPCOMING EVENTS from Our Trestleboard
- December 8, 2010
Intender Training - Hathaway’s Hideaway - December 18, 2010
Installation of 2011 Officers - Zal Gaz Grotto Club - December 19, 2010
Poinsettia Delivery to Widows- Zal Gaz Grotto Club - December29, 2010
Master’s Table / St. John the Evangelist Evening - TBA
